Medical device tracking system with tag and method

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for tracking a medical device. Systems configured for such tracking may include the capability to either or both detect tampering with the medical device and to effectively expose the medical device to sterilization substances while the medical device is captured by a mechanism including an identifying characteristic.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/109,517, filed on Apr. 25, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. ______.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of identificationand tracking of parts, and more particularly relates to associating amedical device with an identification tag and tracking the medicaldevice.

BACKGROUND

Implantable medical devices must be sterile prior to use in order toreduce the risk of infection in patients receiving such devices.Generally, there are two ways to provide sterile surgical devices. Oneway is to sterilize a device to be implanted immediately prior toimplantation. Another way is to sterilize a device during themanufacturing process, and then to ship the device to a user in asterilized condition. The first way is typically called providing adevice “non-sterile,” because the manufacturer ships the device in acondition that is not adequately sterilized for implantation. The secondway is typically called providing a device “sterile,” because the deviceis ready for implantation when shipped from the manufacturer.

There is a strong and growing need to track medical devices from theirbase materials and manufacture to their use, and throughout theintervening time. Tracking of medical devices may also be referred to asmaintaining traceability of the devices. It is sometimes important totrack medical devices so that patients can be notified of anyinformation related to the safety or longevity of devices onceimplanted. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is currentlyconsidering requiring that implantable medical devices be uniquelyidentified and tracked through the time of use of the devices.

It is relatively straightforward to uniquely identify and track sterilemedical devices. Unique labels or other indicia are applied to theproduct and the labels or other indicia remain associated with themedical device until the device is used. In some instances, sterileproduct labels include adhesive portions that can be applied to a chartor file of a patient to conveniently associate the sterile medicaldevice with a particular patient.

Non-sterile products provide a greater tracking challenge, althoughthere are several reasons for preferring non-sterile shipment of medicaldevices. A larger number of non-sterile devices can be provided ingroups or sets that present the devices in a manner where the devicesare readily available for use. The large number of devices may representa large number of sizes and optional configurations that providesurgeons with many alternatives in a convenient arrangement. Devicesthat are not used are simply returned to stock for sterilization priorto a subsequent use. Non-sterile devices do not have a definitivelylimited shelf life, as sterile products do. Non-sterile devices are lessexpensive to package and sterilize. Non-sterile devices can typically bemore densely packaged into a common carrier than sterile devices. Theprimary reason that such non-sterile products are difficult to track,however, is that the products are difficult to mark, may not be markedat all, and may be identical to other products with which they arepackaged, thus creating a possibility of confusion among parts. In manyinstances, specific non-sterile products are not tracked beyond theirmanufacturing facility, and may only be counted when reconciled forpayment as one of many products that were not returned to a manufacturerfor replenishment.

One way of tracking non-sterile medical devices would be to associatethe devices with a component or mechanism that includes identifyinginformation. Such a component or mechanism may advantageously provideready access to the device by sterilizing material such as steam orother cleaning solutions. It would also be advantageous in some trackingsystems for non-sterile implants to be resistant to intentional or evenincidental tampering that could disassociate identifying informationfrom a medical device.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the invention is a medical device tracking system. Thesystem includes a medical device, a first component, and a secondcomponent coupled with the first component to capture the medicaldevice. A tracking device may be associated with the first component orthe second component. A portion of the medical device completely extendsfrom the first component to expose the medical device when the medicaldevice is captured by the first and second components.

Another embodiment of the invention is a medical device tracking systemthat includes a medical device and a capture mechanism removably coupledto the medical device. The capture mechanism includes a body capable ofmultiple sterilizations without degradation, and an identification tagassociated with the body. The capture mechanism is configured such thatremoval of the medical device from the capture mechanism is thereafterdetectable.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is a method of tracking amedical device. The method includes capturing the medical device in amechanism that has an identifier. The mechanism is configured such thatremoval of the medical device from the mechanism is thereafterdetectable. The method also includes transferring the mechanism andcaptured medical device to a potential user and specifying sterilizationof the medical device prior to potential implantation of the medicaldevice. Further, the method includes accepting return of the mechanismand captured medical device and transferring the mechanism and capturedmedical device to the potential user or another user.

Still another embodiment of the invention is a method of tracking amedical device. To accomplish the method embodiment, a medical deviceand instructions specifying steam sterilization of the medical deviceprior to implantation of the medical device into a patient are provided.The method further includes inserting a portion of the medical deviceinto a first segment of an identification tag and out of a secondsegment of the identification tag such that the medical device is atleast partially exposed beyond a perimeter of the identification tag toreceive steam sterilization. The medical device may also be locked intothe identification tag such that separation of the medical device fromthe identification tag is reliably detectable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention thatillustrates a tracking system including a spinal pedicle screw.

FIG. 2 is s perspective view of capture components of FIG. 1 with thespinal pedicle screw removed for clarity.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention thatillustrates a tracking system including a spinal pedicle screw.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a component of a tracking system.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention thatillustrates a tracking system including a spinal pedicle screw.

FIG. 6 is s perspective view of capture components of FIG. 5 with thespinal pedicle screw removed for clarity.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention thatillustrates a tracking system including a spinal sagittal rod.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention thatillustrates a tracking system including a spinal pedicle screw.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention thatillustrates a tracking system including a spinal pedicle screw.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention thatillustrates a tracking system including a spinal pedicle screw.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention thatillustrates a tracking system including a spinal set screw.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention thatillustrates a tracking system including a spinal pedicle screw head.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention thatillustrates a tracking system including a spinal pedicle screw.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention thatillustrates a tracking system including a spinal pedicle screw.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart directed to method embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart directed to method embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a medical device tracking system embodied in a spinalsurgical screw 10 medical device that is captured by a first component 1and a second component 2. As illustrated, a tracking device 20 isassociated with the second component 2 as a two dimensional bar codemarking on a side of the second component 2.

The medical device of this or any other embodiment of the invention maybe any implant or instrument used in accomplish a medical procedure. Themedical device of some embodiments is capable of undergoing one or moresteam sterilization cycles, or other sterilization procedures, withoutdegrading in a manner that would make the implant unsuitable for use ina medical procedure. The medical device of this or any other embodimentof the invention may consist of materials, by way of example, andwithout limitation, including titanium and its alloys, ASTM material,cobalt chrome, tantalum, ceramic, poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK), PEAK,various plastics, plastic composites, carbon fiber composites, coral,allograft, autograft, zenograft, and can include artificial materialswhich are at least in part bioresorbable, or any material suitable forhuman implantation.

In addition to being a surgical screw, the medical device may be aspinal sagittal rod 15, as illustrated in FIG. 7, or a set screw 17, asillustrated in FIG. 11. The medical device of some embodiments may be,without limitation, a surgical screw of any variety, a spinal or otherorthopedic plate, a surgical rod, an interbody spinal device, avertebral disc arthroplasty device, a nucleus replacement device, acorpectomy device, a vertebrectomy device, a mesh device, a facetfixation or arthroplasty device, a structural bone graft, a staple, atether of synthetic material or wire, or other spinal fixationinstrumentation, an intramedullary nail, an external fixation device, ahip prosthesis or therapeutic device, a knee prosthesis or therapeuticdevice, or an instrument useful with any of the previously reciteddevices.

The tracking device 20, or any tracking device herein, may be any devicethat is capable of retaining identifying information. In someembodiments, the tracking device is a device suitable for scanning by anoptical scanner such as a one or two dimensional bar code reader. Thetracking device may also be a radio frequency identification (RFID)device that is readable through radio frequency transmission generatedby an independently powered RFID device. The tracking device may be anRFID device that includes a transponder and is readable in response to aradio frequency signal transmitted to the RFID device. In someembodiments, the tracking device is a human readable visual and/ortactile device such as, but not limited to, alphanumeric characters, andmay optionally include raised or lowered portions. The tracking devicemay also be a printed or written item in combination with a slot orgroove in a component of the system, whereby the printed or written itemis placed in the slot or groove to display information. A trackingdevice may also be applied as an adhesive label. Some embodiments of anadhesive label are resistant to sterilization procedures, includingsteam sterilization.

In some embodiments, a portion of the medical device completely extendsfrom the first component to expose the medical device. Exposure, as usedherein, may include extending all or a part of one or more segments ofthe medical device from capturing components. As illustrated in FIG. 1,a distal end 11 of the surgical screw 10 extends from the firstcomponent 1 when the medical device is captured by the first and secondcomponents 1, 2. A portion of the surgical screw 10 proximal to thedistal end 11 is captured between coupled first and second components 1,2. The first and second components 1, 2 may be removed from one anotherby twisting, pulling, or otherwise creating stress between thecomponents, or between one or both of the components and the capturedmedical device. Alternatively, the first and second components 1, 2 maybe removed by cutting or otherwise degrading a portion of one or both ofthe first and second components 1, 2 or a connection between thecomponents.

As shown in FIG. 3, a spinal surgical screw 10 is captured by a firstcomponent 101 and a second component 102. The illustrated embodimentalso includes a tracking device 120 in the second component 102. Inother embodiments, a tracking device may be incorporated in the firstcomponent 101, or another part of a mechanism. A distal end 11 of thesurgical screw 10 extends from the first component 101 when the medicaldevice is captured by the first and second components 101, 102. Aportion of the surgical screw 10 proximal to the distal end 11 iscaptured between coupled first and second components 101, 102. Thesecond component 102 shown in FIG. 3 includes an insertion end 103 thatincludes relief cuts 104 that permit portions of the insertion end 103to deflect as they are inserted through first and second connectionslots 110, 111 in the first component 101. Once inserted, removal of thesecond component 102 from the first and second connection slots 110, 111in the opposite direction from insertion may cause fractures to developwithin the insertion end 103. The second component 102 also includes apair of stops 105 that prevent insertion of the second component 102completely through the first connection slot 110. Forced removal of thesecond component 102 by continued progress in the direction of insertionwould be detectable because such an action would shear the stops 105from the second component 102. The second component 102 is also providedwith a notch 106 that enables a user to grasp the second component 102and twist, bend, pull, or otherwise create stress and fracture thesecond component 102 at the notch 106. Subsequently, removal of thesecond component 102 from the first component 101 would be easilyaccomplished, and the spinal surgical screw 10 could be removed. Thefractured second component 102 would be detectable indicia of decouplingof the first and second components 101, 102.

FIG. 4 illustrates first and second components 201, 202 that areintegrated into a unit mechanism. A tracking device 220 is alsointegrated into the mechanism. The illustrated mechanism is configuredto leave detectable indicia when a medical device is removed from themechanism. The mechanism may be applied to a spinal surgical screw, forexample, in a manner essentially similar to the system shown in FIG. 3.In some embodiments, the mechanism, once placed around a medical device,is chemically or thermally treated to be less tolerant of mechanicalstrain such that removing the mechanism from the medical device willresult in a fracture of a portion of one or both of first and secondcomponents 201, 202. Alternatively, removal of the mechanism from themedical device may result in discoloration or permanent distortion ofthe first or second components 201, 202. In another embodiment, themedical device may be assembled within the first and second components201, 202 such that separation of the assembled medical device from thefirst and second components 201, 202 will leave detectable indicia.Similarly, any of first and second components 1, 2; 101, 102; 301, 302;401, 402; 501, 502; 701, 702; 801, 802; 901, 902; and 1001, 1002 may beintegrated into a unit mechanism in some embodiments.

FIGS. 5 and 6 in combination show a mechanism for capturing a spinalsurgical screw 10 that includes of a first component 301 and a secondcomponent 302 that are coupled together at one of their respective ends,and that connect to a third component 303 at their respective oppositeends. The connection between the illustrated first component 301 and thethird component 303 is through a first hinge 304, and the connectionbetween the illustrated second component 302 and the third component 303is through a second hinge 305. A tracking device 320 is shown integratedinto the third component 303. As illustrated in FIG. 5, a distal end 11of the spinal surgical screw 10 extends from the first component 301when the medical device is captured by the first and second components301, 302 in combination with the third component 303. A portion of thesurgical screw 10 proximal to the distal end 11 is captured betweencoupled first and second components 301, 302.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the coupling between thefirst component 301 and the second component 302 is accomplished after amedical device such as the spinal surgical screw 10 is placed within thegrasp of the first and second components 301, 302. The spinal surgicalscrew 10 may be inserted when the first and second components 301, 302are hinged open about their respective hinges 304, 305. Once the spinalsurgical screw 10 is positioned within the grasp of the first and secondcomponents 301, 302, the components are rotated about respective firstand second hinges 304, 305 to couple a first end of each component withthe other component. This coupling may be such that decoupling the firstand second components 301, 302 relative to one another may not beaccomplished without creating a detectable indication of the decoupling.The decoupling may result in fracture of one or more of the firstcomponent 301, the second component 302, the third component 303, thefirst hinge 304, the second hinge 305, and any of the joints betweenthese parts, or any part, of the mechanism.

In FIG. 7, a medical device tracking system embodied in a spinalsagittal rod 15 that is captured by a first component 401 and a secondcomponent 402 is shown. A tracking device 420 may be associated with thefirst component 401, as is illustrated, or with other components. Thesecond component 402 engages a through-hole 16 in the spinal sagittalrod 15 and is coupled to the first component 401 to capture the spinalsagittal rod 15. Similar arrangements are contemplated by embodiments ofthe invention for other devices having a through-hole through which acomponent may be passed to capture the devices.

FIG. 8 depicts a medical device tracking system embodied in a spinalsurgical screw 10 that is captured by a first component 501 and a secondcomponent 502. A tracking device 520 of any of the types previouslydisclosed herein may be associated with the second component 502 or thefirst component 501. In some embodiments, the second component 502 iscoupled to the first component 501 by a snap fit around all or a portionof the contact surface between the components. The second component 502and the first component 501 may also be coupled in part by a hingebetween the components, or with threads between the components. Thefirst and second components 501, 502 are depicted as generally roundthrough a horizontal cross-section, but they may be rectangular or anyother operable shape. The first component 501 shown includes verticalstruts 505 that connect between a base 506 and an upper rim 507. Thestruts 505 may be rigid or flexible and may be continuous around theperimeter of the first component, or spaced intermittently as shown inFIG. 8. The illustrated base 506 has a bore 508 for receiving the spinalsurgical screw 10. The bore 508 may be a part of the base 506, as shown,or may be an opening at the terminus of two or more vertical struts 505.

A medical device tracking system is illustrated in FIG. 9 that includesa medical device in the form of a spinal surgical screw 10 and a capturemechanism 600 removably coupled to the medical device. The capturemechanism 600 is a body capable of multiple fluid sterilizations withoutdegradation. For example, the capture mechanisms 600 of variousembodiments would not undergo meaningful loss of structural integrity,would not be discolored, or would not lose information retained on themechanisms 600 as a result of multiple fluid sterilizations. Thesterilizations may be from steam sterilization or from application of achemical sterilizing substance, or from any other effectivesterilization substance or process. An identification tag, indicia, orother marking is associated with the body. The capture mechanism 600 isconfigured such that removal of the medical device from the capturemechanism 600 is thereafter detectable. This may be accomplished, forexample, by configuring a ratcheting hinge 601 between branches 602, 603that must be fractured to separate branches 602, 603 once the brancheshave been brought together to capture the spinal surgical screw 10between them. In other embodiments, an additional member may be wrappedaround or connected between branches 602 and 603 as a mechanism fordetecting whether the branches have been separated after being closedaround the spinal surgical screw 10 or other medical device. Theadditional member or the hinge 601 of some embodiments are configured toat least one of rupture, non-resiliently deform, or change color whenthe capture mechanism 600 is removed from a medical device that has beencaptured within the capture mechanism 600. A rupture can be a full orpartial rupture of all or a part of the capture mechanism 600. Likewise,a non-resilient deformation may be a change in the shape of any part ofthe capture mechanism 600 that remains thereafter in whole or in partdetectable. A discoloration may occur, for example and withoutlimitation, when a polymer material undergoes plastic materialdeformation. A tracking device of any of the types previously disclosedmay be associated with the capture mechanism 600.

FIG. 10 shows a medical device tracking system that includes a medicaldevice in the form of a spinal surgical screw 10 and a capture mechanism700 removably coupled to the medical device. The capture mechanism 700is a body capable of multiple sterilizations without degradation. Anidentification tag 720, indicia, or other marking is associated with thebody. The capture mechanism 700 is configured such that removal of themedical device from the capture mechanism 700 is thereafter detectable.In some embodiments, the capture mechanism 700 has a first component 701that captures both ends of the spinal surgical screw 10 or other medicaldevice. To place the spinal surgical screw 10 within the first component701, the first component must be flexed and placed over the respectiveends of the spinal surgical screw. To effectively capture the spinalsurgical screw 10, a second component 702 is coupled with the firstcomponent 701. The capture mechanism 700 shown is then configured suchthat removal of the spinal surgical screw 10 from the capture mechanism700 is thereafter detectable. As illustrated, this is accomplished incombination with the second component 702 that, once inserted, is notremovable from the first component 701 without detectable alterationoccurring to one or both of the first and second components 701, 702.For example, one or both of the first and second components 701, 702 areconfigured to at least one of rupture, non-resiliently deform, or changecolor when the capture mechanism 700 is separated from the spinalsurgical screw 10.

FIG. 11 shows a medical device tracking system that includes a medicaldevice in the form of a spinal set screw 17 and a capture mechanism 800removably coupled to the medical device. The capture mechanism 800 is abody capable of multiple sterilizations without degradation. Anidentification tag 820 or other marking is associated with the body. Thecapture mechanism 800 is configured such that removal of the spinal setscrew 17 from the capture mechanism 800 is thereafter detectable. In theillustrated embodiment, the capture mechanism 800 has a first component801 that penetrates an opening in the spinal set screw 17. Toeffectively capture the spinal set screw 17, a second component 802 iscoupled with the first component 801. The capture mechanism 800 shown isthen configured such that removal of the medical device from the capturemechanism 800 is thereafter detectable. As illustrated, this isaccomplished by the second component 802 that, once inserted, is notremovable from the first component 801 without detectable alterationoccurring to one or both of the first and second components 801, 802.For example, one or both of the first and second components 801, 802 areconfigured to at least one of rupture, non-resiliently deform, or changecolor when the capture mechanism 800 is separated from the spinal setscrew 17.

FIG. 12 shows a mechanism for capturing a spinal surgical screw head 14that includes of a first component 901 and a second component 902 thatare coupled together at two of their respective ends. A third component903 provides pins for the coupling between the first component 901 andthe second component 902 in the illustrated embodiment. A trackingdevice 920 is shown integrated into the third component 903. Asillustrated in FIG. 12, a portion of the spinal surgical screw head 14is between and a portion extends from the first and second components901, 902 when the medical device is captured by the first and secondcomponents 901, 902 in combination with the third component 903.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, the coupling between the firstcomponent 901 and the second component 902 is accomplished after amedical device, such as the spinal surgical screw head 14, is placedbetween the first and second components 901, 902. The spinal surgicalscrew head 14 may be placed between separated first and secondcomponents 901, 902, and then the first and second components are movedtogether to align the holes at their respective ends. With all holesaligned, the third component 903 may be inserted into the holes at theends of the first and second components 901, 902 to pin the componentstogether as an assembly. This coupling may be such that decoupling thefirst and second components 901, 902 relative to one another may not beaccomplished without creating a detectable indication of the decoupling.The decoupling may result in fracture of one or more of the firstcomponent 901, the second component 902, the third component 903, andany of the joints between these parts, or other parts, of the mechanism.The decoupling may also result in discoloration, distortion, or anyother detectable indication of decoupling or tampering with the spinalsurgical screw head.

FIG. 13 shows a mechanism for capturing a spinal surgical screw 10 thatincludes of a first component 1001 and a second component 1002 that arecoupled together at two of their respective ends. A third component 1003provides a pin for the coupling between the first component 1001 and thesecond component 1002 in the illustrated embodiment. As shown, there aretwo third component 1003 pins for coupling the first component 1001 tothe second component 1002. Each third component 1003 pin includes adistal end 1005. Each distal end 1005 includes at least one shoulder1007. In operation, the third component 1003 may be locked with thefirst component 1001 by pushing the distal end 1005 through an openingin the first component 1001. Once through the opening, the shoulder 1007prevents the distal portion 1005 of the third component 1003 from beingeasily removed from the first component 1001, and thereby securing thespinal surgical screw 10 between the first component 1001 and the secondcomponent 1002. In some embodiments, two pins may be integrated into asingle component attached at their proximal ends. The third component1003 may also be integrated with the second component 1002 in a unitarybody in some embodiments.

A tracking device 1020 is shown integrated into the second component1002, and may be a part of any other portion of the mechanism in otherembodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 13, a portion of the spinal surgicalscrew 10 is between, and a portion extends from, the first and secondcomponents 1001, 1002 when the medical device is captured by the firstand second components 1001, 1002 in combination with the third component1003.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13, the coupling between the firstcomponent 1001 and the second component 1002 is accomplished after amedical device, such as the spinal surgical screw 10, is placed betweenthe first and second components 1001, 1002. The spinal surgical screw 10may be placed between separated first and second components 1001, 1002,and then the first and second components are moved together to align theholes at their respective ends. With all holes aligned, the thirdcomponent 1003 may be inserted into the holes at the ends of the firstand second components 1001, 1002 to pin the components together as anassembly. This coupling may be such that decoupling the first and secondcomponents 1001, 1002 relative to one another may not be accomplishedwithout creating a detectable indication of the decoupling. Thedecoupling may result in fracture of one or more of the first component1001, the second component 1002, the third component 1003, and any ofthe joints between these parts, or other parts, of the mechanism. Thedecoupling may result in discoloration, distortion, or any otherdetectable indication of decoupling or tampering with the spinalsurgical screw head.

The coupling between the first and second components 1, 2; 101, 102;201, 202; 301, 302; 401, 402; 501, 502; 701, 702; 801, 802; 901, 902;and 1001, 1002 of some embodiments is such that once the components arecoupled together, then separation of the components is detectable. Thismay be accomplished, without limitation, by applying adhesive betweenthe components, by providing ratcheting or snap-fit connections designedto fracture relatively easily as compared to other portions of themechanism when stressed, by melting, welding, or otherwise joining allor a portion of the components together, and by including a indicatordevice across a joint between or through the components that fracture,change shape, change color, or otherwise are altered by separation ofthe first and second components. Detectable separation of the componentsmay occur at one or more connections between the components, or mayinclude facture or change within either or both of the first and secondcomponents. In some embodiments, the first and second components, and insome instances other components, form a capture mechanism configuredsuch that removal of the medical device from the capture mechanism isdetectable as specifically described, or in another manner.

FIG. 14 illustrates a medical device tracking system that includes amedical device in the form of a spinal surgical screw 10 and a capturemechanism 1100 removably coupled to the medical device. The capturemechanism 1100 is a body capable of multiple fluid sterilizationswithout degradation. For example, the capture mechanisms 1100 of variousembodiments would not undergo meaningful loss of structural integrity,would not be discolored, or would not lose information retained on themechanisms 1100 as a result of multiple fluid sterilizations. Thesterilizations may be from steam sterilization or from application of achemical sterilizing substance, or from any other effectivesterilization substance or process. An identification tag, indicia, orother marking is associated with the body. The capture mechanism 1100 isconfigured such that removal of the medical device from the capturemechanism 1100 is thereafter detectable.

The illustrated capture mechanism 1100 includes a periphery 1101 andfingers 1102. The periphery 1101 may be continuous around a perimeter,as shown, or may only be a partial enclosure. The periphery 1101 shownis generally round, but in other embodiments may be any shape that wouldfunction to support one or more fingers. Alternatively, multiple capturemechanism may be linked or formed together to create an array foraccepting medical devices. The number of fingers 1102 may vary withother embodiments. In the embodiment shown, one or more of the fingers1102 is attached to the periphery 1101 to permit insertion of the spinalsurgical screw 10 through the capture mechanism 1100 by first insertingthe distal end 11 through the capture mechanism 1100. The free end 1103of each finger 1102 is biased toward the distal end 11 of the spinalsurgical screw 10 as shown. This configuration permits each finger 1102to be relatively easily bent to allow passage of the spinal surgicalscrew 10. However, if the spinal surgical screw 10 is withdrawn from thecapture mechanism 1100, the free ends 1103 of one or more of the fingers1102 are pointed, at least in part, in opposition to the removal of thespinal surgical screw 10 and create a force in one or more of thefingers 1102. The force created is more significant than the force in afinger 1102 associated with insertion of the spinal surgical screw 10into the capture mechanism 1100 because of the orientation of thefingers 1102. Therefore, reaction to forces applied may be incorporatedin one or more of the fingers 1102 such that a reaction resulting fromremoval is detectable, but reaction to insertion is not detectable. Inother embodiments, an additional member may be wrapped around thecapture mechanism 1100 as a means of detecting the spinal surgical screw10 or other medical device has been removed.

One or more of the fingers 1102, the periphery 1101, and additionalmembers of some embodiments are configured to at least one of rupture,non-resiliently deform, or change color when the capture mechanism 1100is separated from a medical device that has been captured within thecapture mechanism 1100. A rupture can be a full or partial rupture ofall or a part of the capture mechanism 1100. Likewise, a non-resilientdeformation may be a change in the shape of any part of the capturemechanism 1100 that remains thereafter in whole or in part detectable. Adiscoloration may occur, for example and without limitation, when apolymer material undergoes plastic material deformation. By way ofexample and without limitation, upon removal of a spinal surgical screw10, one or more of the fingers 1103 may be broken off, deformed,stretched, or otherwise altered. A tracking device of any of the typespreviously disclosed may be associated with the capture mechanism 1100.

FIG. 15 graphically illustrates a method of tracking a medical device.The method includes capturing the medical device in a mechanism thatincludes an identifier, wherein the mechanism is configured such thatremoval of the medical device from the mechanism is thereafterdetectable. The medical device captured may be similar to any of themedical devices illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, 5, and 7-14, any medicaldevice otherwise described herein, or any medical device suitable toreceive an identifier.

The method of some embodiments also includes transferring the mechanismand captured medical device to a potential user. A mechanism and medicaldevice may be transferred to a user who has purchased the medicaldevice, who has accepted the medical device on consignment, who isreceiving the medical device on loan, or who is otherwise in authorizedpossession of the medical device. A user under various embodiments ofthe invention may be a specific physician, a group of physicians, ahospital, a clinic, a governmental agency, or any person or groupadministering receipt of medical devices. The method may further includespecifying sterilization of the captured medical device prior topotential implantation of the medical device. The form of sterilizationmay be particularly specified, or may be left to the discretion of theuser.

Method embodiments may also include accepting return of the mechanismand captured medical device. The original manufacturer or provider ofthe medical device would typically accept return. However, as understoodherein, accepting return may also include return being accepted by anagent or otherwise authorized party acting on behalf of the originalmanufacturer or provider of the medical device. In some, but not allinstances, return of medical devices is a result of a provider sendingmultiple sizes and/or configurations of a medical device to a user withan understanding that not all of the medical devices will be employed ina planned procedure.

As shown in FIG. 15, some embodiments of the invention further includechecking one or both of the medical device and the mechanism todetermine if the medical device has been removed from the mechanism.Such a check may include one or more of determining if the mechanism iscurrently present and determining if the mechanism has been previouslyremoved from the medical device. If the medical device has been removedfrom the mechanism, the medical device may be returned to amanufacturing or processing facility to be identified properly, orscrapped if tracking has been lost for the device. If the medical devicehas not been removed from the mechanism, a method under the inventionmay include subsequently transferring a previously delivered andreturned mechanism and captured medical device to a previous potentialuser or to a new user. The term new user as used herein may also referto a new potential user. The step of checking the medical device andmechanism for removal may occur at different or additional times in someother embodiments of the invention in order to verify continued,accurate tracking of a medical device.

Some embodiments of the invention may also include maintaining a recordof the identifier, and therefore, maintaining a record of the medicaldevice that has been associated with the identifier and the mechanism inwhich the identifier is embodied. Consequently, by maintaining a recordof the identifier, information associated with the medical device may beeffectively maintained. The types of information that may be maintainedin certain embodiments include the location of the identifier andmedical device at a particular time, the patient or patients in or onwhom a medical device has been used, and the healthcare provider orproviders who have used or handled a device. A healthcare provider mayinclude physicians, nurses, technicians, hospitals, purchasing agents,governmental agencies, administrative staff, and others. Trackedinformation associated with a medical device may also include a date ofuse, a time of use, a condition treated, a particular surgicalprocedure, a procedure type, a number of times sterilized, and otherinformation that might be useful in tracking the safety, utility, andefficacy of a medical device. An identifier and medical device may alsobe associated in some embodiments with manufacturing information, suchas but not limited to, material type, lot number, country wheremanufactured, manufacturing facility, time of manufacture, andmanufacturing process employed.

A flowchart depicting another method of tracking a medical device isshown in FIG. 16. Embodiments of the method include providing a medicaldevice and providing instructions specifying steam sterilization of themedical device prior to implantation of the medical device into apatient. Some embodiments of the method include inserting a portion ofthe medical device into a first segment of an identification tag and outof a second segment of the identification tag. The identification tagand medical device of such embodiments may be of any shape and size thatmeet the specified insertion criteria. A segment as used hereindescribes any portion of an identification tag, including other devicesused to connect an identification tag to a medical device. Embodimentsof the device are configured such that the medical device is at leastpartially exposed beyond a perimeter of the identification tag toreceive steam sterilization. A perimeter of the identification tag mayinclude boundaries logically drawn between irregularly shaped parts ofan identification tag.

In a further step of some embodiments, the medical device is locked intothe identification tag such that separation of the medical device fromthe identification tag is reliably detectable. Such reliably detectablestructures are defined herein and include other structures performingsimilar functions. Method embodiments may also include detecting if themedical device has been separated from the identification tag. If themedical device has not been separated from the identification tag, amethod under the invention may include maintaining the medical device inavailable product inventory. In some embodiments, the medical device ismaintained in available product inventory with the same identificationtag, and in others, it may be reassigned another identification tag. Ifthe medical device has been separated from the identification tag, themedical device may be returned to a manufacturing or processing facilityto be identified properly, or scrapped if tracking has been lost for thedevice. The term new user as used herein may also refer to a newpotential user. The step of checking the medical device andidentification tag for separation may occur at different or additionaltimes in some other embodiments of the invention in order to verifycontinued, accurate tracking of a medical device.

In any of the embodiments of the present invention, the medical devicesmay include, be made of, treated, coated, filled, used in combinationwith, or have a hollow space or opening for containing artificial ornaturally occurring materials and/or substances suitable forimplantation in the human body. These materials, and/or substances, mayinclude any source of osteogenesis, bone growth promoting materials,bone derived substances or products, demineralized bone matrix,mineralizing proteins, ossifying proteins, bone morphogenetic proteins,hydroxyapatite, genes coding for the production of bone, and boneincluding, but not limited to, cortical bone, antibiotics, cancertreating substances, infection treating substances, substances totherapeutically affect clotting or stenosis, or other disease treatingsubstances. The medical devices can include, at least in part materialsthat are bioabsorbable and/or resorbable in the body.

While the invention has been described with reference to particularembodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in theart that various modifications can be made to the invention itselfwithout departing from the spirit and scope thereof. All changes andmodifications that are within the spirit of the invention are herebyanticipated and claimed.

1. A medical device tracking system comprising: a medical device; afirst component; a second component coupled with the first component tocapture the medical device; and a tracking device associated with thefirst component or the second component; wherein a portion of themedical device completely extends from the first component to expose themedical device when the medical device is captured by the first andsecond components.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the medical deviceis a steam sterilizable implant.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein themedical device is a metal implant.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein themedical device is a surgical screw.
 5. The system of claim 4 wherein aportion of a distal end of the surgical screw extends through the firstcomponent.
 6. The system of claim 4 wherein a portion of the surgicalscrew proximal to the distal end is captured between coupled first andsecond components.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein the first componentis configured so that a change in the first component is detectable whenthe first component is decoupled from the second component.
 8. Thesystem of claim 7 wherein the first component is, at least in part,fractured when decoupled from the second component.
 9. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the second component is configured so that a change inthe second component is detectable when the second component isdecoupled from the first component.
 10. The system of claim 9 whereinthe second component is, at least in part, fractured when decoupled fromthe first component.
 11. A medical device tracking system comprising: amedical device; and a capture mechanism removably coupled to the medicaldevice comprising: a body capable of multiple fluid sterilizationswithout degradation, said body comprising a first component and a secondcomponent coupled to the first component, wherein coupling of the firstand second components captures the medical device; and wherein thecapture mechanism is configured such that removal of the medical devicefrom the capture mechanism is thereafter detectable.
 12. The system ofclaim 11 wherein the capture mechanism is configured to at least in partto be ruptured when removed from the medical device.
 13. A medicaldevice tracking system comprising: a medical device; a first component;a second component coupled with the first component to capture themedical device; and a tracking device associated with the firstcomponent or the second component; wherein either the first or secondcomponents, or both, are configured so that a change in one of thecomponents is detectable when that component is decoupled from the othercomponent.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the first component isconfigured so that a change in the first component is detectable whenthe first component is decoupled from the second component.
 15. Thesystem of claim 14, wherein the first component is, at least in part,fractured when decoupled from the second component.
 16. The system ofclaim 13, wherein the second component is configured so that a change inthe second component is detectable when the second component isdecoupled from the first component.
 17. The system of claim 16, whereinthe second component is, at least in part, fractured when decoupled fromthe first component.